1
as in to moisten
to make or become slightly or moderately wet
dampen a paper towel with water and use it to clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling
the oppressive heat dampened our spirits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to undermine
to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality
nothing could dampen their enthusiasm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dampen
Saturn leaving Pisces on February 13 lifts the heavy blanket of sorrow and exhaustion that’s been dampening your life force for the last three years, freeing you to unthaw a bit from the winter of your discontent.
—
Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Some screen protectors can also dampen whatever color benefits CoE tech produces.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Its high levels of protein can dampen the effects of carbohydrates on your blood sugar.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
For powder, dampen the fabric and then sprinkle powder on each stain.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Some screen protectors can also dampen whatever color benefits CoE tech produces.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Its high levels of protein can dampen the effects of carbohydrates on your blood sugar.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
For powder, dampen the fabric and then sprinkle powder on each stain.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dampen
Verb
-
In a bowl toss vegetables with enough olive oil to moisten them.—
Faye Levy,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Use a fork to stir just until moistened.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Snowmaking specialist TechnoAlpin, which is supplying this year’s Winter Olympics, said technology has advanced significantly over recent decades, reducing energy demand and water consumption.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Does this argument fit the full suite of facts, or are there inconvenient findings that undermine the argument?—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Bailey asserted that retiree speech could still undermine good order and discipline, and denied that Hegseth’s actions would extend the reach of the military’s punitive powers over retirees.—
Missy Ryan,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
On a wooden surface dusted with flour, the baker Oleksandr Kutsenko skilfully divides and shapes soft, damp pieces of dough.—
Kamila Hrabchuk,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Plants that are already stressed indoors or grown in overcrowded conditions with poor airflow are more likely to develop fungal issues, like damping off or plant edema (lesions on the underside of leaves).—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In addition, the measure would have significant negative economic impact on the Northern Colorado region, potentially diminish cherished and time-honored campus traditions, and erode the public safety infrastructure the campus has put in place to support students and the broader community.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Facial hair prevents the mask from properly sealing to your face, diminishing its guarantee of protection.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Investors don’t want to inadvertently cheer on weakening job growth that could negatively impact consumer spending and economic growth, hurting stock prices.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The National Weather Service says the ridge keeping California dry since last month is beginning to weaken.—
Monica Garske,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Apply enough water to wet the soil 12 inches deep.—
Kelly Werthmann,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
To water from the top, pour water over the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Considerable resources were devoted to acoustics that deaden the train noise from the outside.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Schjerfbeck also liked the way Degas bleached his pastels to deaden their tone.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dampen. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
